AI Ministry, 8 Grams of Gold, Jobs: Inside Vijay’s Welfare Push for Tamil Nadu

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is poised to take oath as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, with his election manifesto centering on welfare measures, technology integration, and employment growth. The manifesto, unveiled ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, targets women, students, farmers, unemployed youth, and small businessmen with direct financial support and governance reforms. Vijay aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036, positioning AI and entrepreneurship as key drivers. For women, the manifesto guarantees ₹2,500 monthly assistance for family heads under 60, six free LPG cylinders annually, and 200 units of free electricity per household. Brides from families earning below ₹5 lakh will receive eight grams of gold (worth ₹1.12 lakh) and a silk saree, while women-led self-help groups will access interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh. Families with children in government schools will get ₹15,000 annually to curb dropout rates. In agriculture, TVK proposes a full waiver of crop loans for farmers with up to five acres and a 50% waiver for larger holdings. Minimum support prices are set at ₹3,500 per quintal for paddy and ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane, alongside ₹15,000 annual aid for land-owning farmers. The party also plans to install five lakh solar-powered pumps and provide ₹27,000 seasonal assistance to the fishing community, subsidized diesel, and accident insurance up to ₹25 lakh. Job creation is a priority, with five lakh government positions and five lakh paid internships. Unemployed graduates will receive ₹4,000 monthly, while diploma holders get ₹2,500 during job searches. Internships offer stipends between ₹5,000 and ₹8,000. Education initiatives include 100 residential schools for Classes 6–12, collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh, and free AI-enabled coaching centers for competitive exams. Social welfare measures include ₹3,000 monthly pensions for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities, targeting 15 lakh beneficiaries. Frontline workers like anganwadi staff will earn ₹18,000 monthly, and sanitation workers ₹10,000. Government employees with over 20 years of service will receive a ₹15 lakh retirement benefit. The manifesto also highlights AI integration in governance and economic growth strategies.